This new domain in Vouvray was first selected by the ABC wine team at VinExpo in Bordeaux last year.

We tasted through a dozen different Vouvray wine domains, of which Domaine de la Poultière was a clear winner; these wines showed better minerality, more intense flavors and an excellent balance between acidity, fruit and sweetness.

That same day we were told that a huge storm has passed through Vouvray; high winds and lots of hail have devastated 95% of the appellation. Not only was the fruit knocked down by the hail, but some vines were damaged and would be fruitless for at least two years.

The owner of Domaine de la Poultière, Ingrid Pinon, was on the phone with her husband, and after she got off the phone she had a sigh of relief and gave us the good news: The storm clouds had passed on both sides of her vineyards without damaging a single vine.

We have found one of the best wines of the Vouvray appellation, and we have secured product for our Vouvray aficionados for the next year. Sometimes things just work out.

We have selected two wines from the domain's portfolio: a demi-sec and a Moëlleux.

The Moëlleux, like the name indicates, is a late harvest, sweeter and richer style wine that would be perfect served as aperitif before dinner to bring you to appetite or with light desserts or fresh fruit at the end of the meal.

This is one of the best examples I have ever tasted with a 30+ second finish! This wine is simply stunning! The current vintage is 2008.

The demi-sec is also best in its category; it's sweetness shows a bit less than a similar wine with the same amount of residual sugar because of its wonderful acidity and minerality that balance the sugar. For that reason, don't pass on this demi-sec Vouvray if you are a Chardonnay drinker. Some of our guests who tried the Domaine de la Poultière Vouvray Demi-Sec at the tasting table purchased it along with their favorite Chardonnays.

While waiting for the 2013, enjoy the current 2012 demi-sec.

Domaine de La Poultière Vouvray Moëlleux Les Perruches 2008 – Loire, France

This estate, owned by the Pinon family for three generations, is composed of 22 hectares on clay-limestone soil located in the village of Vernou-sur-Brenne. The vines are between 25 and 30 years of age. The Moëlleux Les Perruches is the more extracted Vouvray showing apricot, peach and a hint of lemon on a rich middle backed by vibrant acidity. It’s a wine that goes well with rich cheeses and fruit.

Domaine de La Poultière Vouvray Demisec Émotion 2012 – Loire, France

The Pinon family’s demi-sec Vouvray is more food friendly with apple, pear and quince notes with a subtle touch of sweetness; medium body and refreshing acidity in the finish. It’s a very well-balanced wine that works well with spicy Asian food and fruits.

Atanas Nechkov, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits Wine Supervisor

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